Chapter 42: Subduing - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 42: Subduing
Amidst the confusion, the maids from the Second Gate brought the estate physician. Yunxu whispered to the young miss, "Miss, it seems like Huanhuan is being controlled and can't speak, so I took the initiative to ask the estate physician to come and take a look."
Feng Jinyao nodded, sensing that something was amiss.
"Let the physician go and check on that maid. Is there still hope?"
Given the order, the estate physician naturally paid more attention. Poor Huanhuan was beaten to unconsciousness. Seeing this, Aunt Linlang couldn't help but wish for the maid's immediate death.
Without evidence of her death, she could say whatever she wanted.
After a careful examination, the estate physician discovered that Huanhuan had indeed been silenced by acupressure points, but her unconsciousness was due to a severe head injury, possibly causing internal bleeding in her brain.
Upon hearing this, Feng Jinyao looked at Aunt Linlang as if she had already pronounced her death sentence.
"Help her inside and treat her well. Also, report today's events to my elder brother without omitting a single word."
"Yes!"
The maids kneeling nearby trembled with fear at the mistresses' predicaments, fearing they might be the next ones to be sold off.
Aunt Linlang was suddenly thrown into chaos upon hearing that her husband would be informed of the situation.
Soon, Madam Wen received the news and hurried back from Yunhai Courtyard.
Upon entering, she saw the scene and was so frightened that she covered her mouth and took two steps back.
But soon, she regained her composure and said to Feng Jinyao beside her, "I apologize for the embarrassment. Let me handle this. You should go back and rest."
Family matters should not be aired in public. Although Feng Jinyao was not an outsider, it was still inappropriate for her to always handle such matters. Otherwise, as the rightful wife, she would appear too weak.
Feng Jinyao nodded. She had come today to speak with her elder brother, but since he was not here, and her sister-in-law wanted to assert her authority over the servants, she needed to use some harsh methods. It was not appropriate for her to be present, so she left with Yunxu and the others.
After bidding farewell to Feng Jinyao, Madam Wen's gaze towards Aunt Linlang changed from passive acceptance to firmness and even a hint of authority.
"Mama Lin, Mama Guan, help Madam down to rest. Be careful not to let anyone harm her. Otherwise, when my husband returns, it will be hard to explain."
"Don't worry, Madam. With so many witnesses, Madam will be fine. Even if there's a bump or bruise later, it will be her own doing."
Mama Lin and Mama Guan were both trusted aides of Madam Wen, sent over to assist her in case she couldn't handle things on her own. Little did they know their first task would be to clean up the mess left by Aunt Linlang.
They spoke without mercy, with one on each side, supporting Aunt Linlang as they walked her to the back courtyard.
How could this happen? Wasn't Madam Wen always weak and easily bullied? Didn't the mistress dislike her? Why would she send her trusted aides over? And the master, would he be disgusted with her because of this? What should she do from now on? A series of questions flooded Aunt Linlang's mind, but unfortunately, there was no one to answer them.
Qiu Yue, who had just been fiercely loyal to her mistress, now wished she could find a hole to hide in. A maid approached Madam Wen and whispered a few words in her ear, causing Madam Wen's eyes to fill with anger.
She could overlook many things from the past, but being used and insulted, even her child was affected. Aunt Linlang had crossed the line.
Now, Madam Wen realized that retreating would lead to a deep abyss. Even if it was for her son's future, she had to abandon her past weakness.
So, she made up her mind to deal with Qiu Yue.
"Qiu Yue, you've been serving Madam for several years, haven't you?"
The maid Qiu Yue couldn't discern Madam Wen's intentions from her calm tone and answered, albeit nervously.
"When Madam was punishing the servants in the house, you not only didn't stop her, but also instigated and added fuel to the fire. Since you have such great ideas, then don't blame me for being merciless."
Every word was a death sentence for Qiu Yue.
"Someone, gather all the servants in the courtyard. Today, in front of everyone, let's show them what happens to someone who plays both sides, instigates conflict, and maliciously slanders others. Beat this maid to death so that everyone can see who is in charge here."
After hearing this, Qiu Yue broke out in a cold sweat, completely petrified.
Was this still the same Madam Wen as before?
The people around didn't dare to move. Although Madam Wen was the mistress, the master had been ignoring her for years and it was Aunt Linlang who received more love and affection from him. If the master found out that they were helping Madam Wen clean up Aunt Linlang's powerful maids, would there be trouble?
Zhu Jin and Yuegui exchanged glances, understanding the thoughts of the maids. So, they sternly scolded them.
"Unbelievable! So you think you can defy Madam's orders? Should we report this to the mistress and have all of you punished?"
As the head maidservant, Zhu Jin naturally had to be strict.
The maids, realizing that Madam Wen had found support in the mistress, were immediately stirred into action. They quickly gathered all the servants in the courtyard and lined them up beside Qiu Yue.
When the paddle was brought in front of Qiu Yue, she finally realized the severity of the situation and begged for mercy.
"Madam, I won't dare anymore, I won't dare anymore. Please spare me, Madam."
At this moment, there was no trace of the arrogance she had previously shown.
But it was too late.
Accustomed to rough language, the maids had strong hands. Some of them even had grudges against Qiu Yue, so they showed no mercy. Soon, she was tied to a bench and the punishment began.
Outside, the sound of the paddle hitting flesh grew quieter and quieter until only the sound of the paddle remained.
Inside the room, Aunt Linlang wanted to rush out, but she was guarded by Lin and Guan like gatekeepers, and there was no chance for her.
"Mamas, please let me out. Madam wants to beat Qiu Yue to death!"
Unfortunately, the two women were unmoved, not even a flicker of emotion on their faces.
The sound grew fainter, and soon, only the paddle's sound remained.
For the first time, Aunt Linlang felt doomed, knowing that this time she would fall hard. She pondered how to regain her footing in front of the master.
The maids and servants in the courtyard remained silent, afraid to speak up.
Those who had conflicts with the maid now felt relieved, thinking she deserved to be beaten to death for her arrogance in front of Aunt Linlang.
But those who had received Aunt Linlang's favor in the past were now anxious, feeling like Qiu Yue's fate today might be their own tomorrow, trembling with fear.
In their hearts, they had both admiration and fear for Madam Wen, the mistress.
It seemed that the situation in the main courtyard was really changing and they should think about who to sincerely support in the future.
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